Driftsovergang

Driftsovergang is a Dutch compound term formed from drift and overgang (transition). There is no single, universally accepted definition in international literature, and the meaning of driftsovergang tends to vary by context. In general, it refers to a transitional phase related to a drift, where a gradual change or deviation moves toward a more formal shift.

In management and organizational contexts, driftsovergang can describe the point at which slow, incremental deviations from plans, norms, or goals accumulate to trigger a discernible strategic or structural transition. The concept emphasizes how small drifts can, over time, justify or necessitate a new direction or governance model.

In physics or engineering, some Dutch-language writings use driftsovergang to refer to a boundary in transport phenomena, such as a shift from diffusion-dominated to drift-dominated motion of particles under an electric field. This usage is not standardized and is not common in English-language literature, where the related terms drift and drift-diffusion are typically used without the compound.

In geology or glaciology, drift refers to glacial deposits, and overgang can indicate a transition between types of drift or between glaciation phases. When used in this sense, driftsovergang signals a change in depositional regimes or in the character of glacial deposits, though such usage is specialized and not widespread.

Because driftsovergang lacks a fixed definition, exact meaning depends on the field and publication. Users encountering the term should consult the specific source to understand the intended sense.

See also: drift, overgang, drift-diffusion, glacial drift.